How well does Richmond support autistic kids and their families?

[Smellycat19]

I am moving to Richmond after my son has just got a diagnosis of autism. The LA where I live now are quite good in terms of support services but I do not want to remain here and bring my children up here. I am from Richmond and want to move back as my marriage has broken down but I am very concerned to know what the council are like in terms of supporting children with autism and their families?

My kids are older so may be out of date. I think the provision is mixed. In many areas there are specialist autism teachers who go into schools to advise. richmond doesn’t. Most of this is done by the SALTs and OT,s but there are a shortage of these. There are a few specialist units. Jigsaw (nursery age). George Tancred and Stanley unit (Primary), gateway (secondary). You would need an EHCP to access the primary and secondary provision. Quite a few children with autism also go to the units for children with learns disabilities and speech and language problems www.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/education/maps-showing-send-provision-in-schools-in-kingston-and-richmond.
Most children are in mainstream with varying levels of support with or without EHCP,s.
A lot go out of borough to specialist provision. It is a monied area and parents aren’t afraid to go to tribunal.
Socially me too and co are helpful and supportive and know what’s going on locally www.metooandco.org.uk. There is special needs swimming at Teddington pool run by Wendy Dorgan and sport with RISE

RISE www.richmond.gov.uk/services/sports/disability_sports_and_activites

My High Functioning Autistic son attends the CE in Twickenham with 3 sites. His needs are ignored. He can have the support he needs because he doesn't have an EHCP. The SENCO has refused to support an EHC assessment. There is a growing support group of parents with SEN. And it isn't pretty.

And it isn't all about budgets. A lot of really harmful decisions are based on politics (that suit the power grabbing new head) but don't cost any money.

Most of the good teachers have resigned in the past two years. They have been replaced by a young teaching population who know virtually nothing about Autism. Achieving for Children offers free autism training to staff. But, still, our teachers are not sent on it.

sigh...

Education in Richmond is run by a separate company called Achieving for Children, and there is a lot of unhappiness amongst parents of children with SEN about their performance (or lack of it).